First Time Variax user with some basic questions

[JohnCrichton]

I'm very excited to have finally go acquired my first Variax, a JTV-59, and I have some basic questions about setting it up properly and getting started with it. 

 

1. The frets on this thing feel huge. The 59 I played at my local Guitar Center didn't seem like the frets were this big, but I'm probably just remembering it through rose colored glasses. I can deal with it if need be, but I was wondering if anyone has had any luck with replacing the frets with smaller ones, and if so, does it cause any problems with the Variax emulation?

 

2. I've always used 11s on all my electric guitars. I can't image that would be a problem with the Variax, but I wanted to make sure.

 

3. I intend to hook it up tonight and to a full factory reset and update it to the latest firmware. Anything I should be know about this process?

 

4. Is it worth getting a spare battery or Variax cable for it? There are very few circumstances in which I will not be playing it with my Hd500x straight to a PA. 

 

5. Is there are other tips or tricks you guys care to share that would be beneficial for a first time Variax user?

 

I know I've got a lot to explore about it, and I am looking forward to endless hours of tweaking it and creating new settings and patches. I just want to make sure I start off on solid ground with some solid advice. Thanks for any help you can give.

[silverhead]

1. I replaced my JTV-59 jumbo frets with medium size frets. No problem after proper setup.

 

2. No problem using 11s, again with proper setup adjustments.

 

3. Just follow the documented procedures carefully.

 

4. Spare VDI or battery, whichever you plan to use most. Note that the cable that comes with the Variax is not a VDI cable. You should get a VDI cable with shielding at both ends for live play.

 

5. Have fun!

[psarkissian]

1. ... anyone has had any luck with replacing the frets with smaller ones? <-- Can be done. Would have to be done by a tech with a paint booth

and finish coating station, as the side of the 59 neck is coated.

---Doing anything custom like this, that affects function (and will as silverhead said may need a set-up) may void your warranty, so check with Line 6 Customer Support on that---

 

2. I've always used 11s on all my electric guitars.<-- Yes, what silverhead said. Changing gauges changes the tension and in-turn the set-up. Have

the set-up checked by a tech, preferably a Line 6 authorized tech, as they will have access to service info,... and me.

 

3. I intend to hook it up tonight and to a full factory reset and update it to the latest firmware. Anything I should be know about this process? <-- Ditto silverhead.

 

4. Is it worth getting a spare battery or Variax cable for it? There are very few circumstances in which I will not be playing it with my Hd500x straight to a PA. <-- Yes,... ditto silverhead.

 

5. Is there are other tips or tricks you guys care to share that would be beneficial for a first time Variax user? <-- Like any new piece of gear, read the manual before plugging it in. Enjoy.